tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31875327753919953342017-09-15T21:02:26.514-04:00Rayne BlueIf life went the way I wanted it to....Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-4941475002458856402016-11-23T11:25:00.000-05:002016-11-23T11:25:29.283-05:00It's that Time of Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPTyqZ_Qtvs/WDW8dMCwGfI/AAAAAAAAmLM/WuwuUsYlPG4UqjKG39ngdd_iHd4VSRQrwCLcB/s1600/thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lPTyqZ_Qtvs/WDW8dMCwGfI/AAAAAAAAmLM/WuwuUsYlPG4UqjKG39ngdd_iHd4VSRQrwCLcB/s200/thankful.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>It's that time of year. That time where Facebook feeds have "30 Days of Thankful" or twitter posts are 140 characters full of everything one might be thankful for.<br /><br />Here in central Ohio, we have seen the leaves change colors, we have had a week of temps in the 70s followed by a week of temps in the 30s with SNOW! Some of us still deny the passage of seasons by wearing shorts, sweatshirts, and winter caps. Others have gone full-out with down coats, scarves, gloves, and thermal underwear.<br /><br />This holiday week many are preparing for traveling to see family and friends. Others are happily enjoying a quiet holiday with a "chosen few."<br /><br />No matter your political persuasion, we have all been through the ringer lately and have probably shed more than a few tears.<br /><br />Budgets are stretched tight as many plan for end of the year gift giving holidays. We look for that perfect gift, or that obnoxious gift, or that gift that will keep on giving.<br /><br />Maybe this time of year marks an opportunity to look inside and around to assess what you have, where you are, and what you want to do with your upcoming days.<br /><br />Maybe, this time of year is just another day in the year. Maybe......<br /><a name='more'></a>This time of year is always bittersweet for me. I rejoice in the change of the seasons, yet I mourn the passing of time. I love the smell of fall and dread the cold of winter. I love splurging on once-a-year gifts for the kids, but, as a minimalist, the accumulation of additional physical "things" makes my head spin. I look forward to the challenge of a new year, and stress the post-end of year fallout.<br /><br />I love........but I hate.........<br /><br />Today, I decided to just stop and be. I decided to let my email inbox fill up with unanswered emails. I decided my text messages could sit for a bit without a response. I decided I could lose myself in my thoughts. I snuggled into a warm sweatshirt, opened up my journal, turned on some streaming music, and just let myself feel.<br /><br />And I wrote.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;And I cried.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;And I mourned.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;And I rejoiced.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;And I welcomed the cold.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; And I honored the passing of the summer.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; And I drank water to feel it course through my body.<br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;And I made coffee to wrap my fingers around the heat. And I felt the world continue on. And I just existed.<br /><br />With my thoughts.<br />With my conflicts.<br />With my anger.<br />With my sorrow.<br />With my tears.<br />With my ideas.<br />With.....myself.<br /><br />And the world was OK. I was OK.<br /><br />It's that time of year. The time to stop and be. It's that time, because every day should be the time to stop and be. I invite you to stop and be....today, tomorrow, and the next day.<br /><br />It's that time of year.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/IaUvSGBqhm0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2016/11/its-that-time-of-year.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-34379735897898713492016-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:002016-05-21T05:00:08.870-04:00Stonewall Columbus PRIDE 2016 - June 17-19<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">STONEWALL COLUMBUS</span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 22.0pt;">P</span><span style="color: #ffc000; font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 22.0pt;">R</span><span style="color: yellow; font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 22.0pt;">I</span><span style="color: #00b050; font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 22.0pt;">D</span><span style="color: #0076ae; font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 22.0pt;">E </span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial black&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 22pt;">2016</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pride 2016 Festival Dates:<span style="color: #17365d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Friday, June 17th – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/entertainment/friday"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Festival</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Saturday, June 18th – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/parade"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Parade</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Saturday, June 18th –</span><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/entertainment/saturday"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Festival</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sunday, June 19th – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/events/brunch"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Pride Brunch</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pride 2016 Links:<span style="color: #17365d;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><br /><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">35<sup>th</sup> Year Cbus Pride – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Website</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">and </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/store"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Store/Dog Tags</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Saturday, June 2 – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/events/pride-poker-run"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Poker Run</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sunday, June 5 – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/events/pride-bicycle-ride"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bicycle Ride</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Tuesday, June 7 –</span><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/events/kings-queens-betweens"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Kings, Queens, &amp; In-Betweens</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Friday, June 17 – </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://www.runforpride.org/"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">13<sup>th</sup> Annual Run for Pride</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;">Sunday, June 19 –</span><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.columbuspride.org/events/clgsas-bat-n-rouge"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt;">Bat-n-Rouge</span></a></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/2Bx56Gri2Uw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2016/05/stonewall-columbus-pride-2016-june-17-19.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-72806117824014700372016-05-17T09:53:00.000-04:002016-05-17T09:53:02.325-04:00May is Melanoma Awareness Month<div style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Did you know&nbsp;</span>Bob Marley<span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;died from&nbsp;<em>acral lentiginous melanoma</em>,&nbsp;<span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>a rare form of melanoma that impacts individuals with darker skin?</strong></span>&nbsp;Anyone of any age or skin color can develop melanoma. This is why it’s critical to note any changes in your skin. If a mole is new, changing, frequently bleeds, doesn’t heal or seems different,&nbsp;<span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>GET YOUR SKIN CHECKED!!</strong></span></span><span class="_58cl" data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #eb7a3d; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><strong><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/getyourskincheck?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1331027163581197" data-mce-style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/getyourskincheck?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1331027163581197" style="color: #365899; text-decoration: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;">‪</span></a></strong>&nbsp;</span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gotoanmkmclinic?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1331027163581197" data-mce-style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gotoanmkmclinic?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1331027163581197" style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">‬</a><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/melanomaawarenessmonth?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1331027163581197" data-mce-style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/melanomaawarenessmonth?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1331027163581197" style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cl" data-mce-style="color: #4267b2;" style="color: #4267b2;">‪</span></a><a data-mce-href="http://www.melanomaknowmore.com/screening" data-mce-style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" href="http://www.melanomaknowmore.com/screening" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.melanomaknowmore.com/screening</a><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">.</span></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div data-mce-style="padding-left: 30px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Melanoma is the&nbsp;<span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29</strong></span>&nbsp;and is increasing faster in females age 15-29 than in males of the same age group.&nbsp;</span><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{&quot;tn&quot;:&quot;*N&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:104}" data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/melanomaawarenessmonth?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1329774890373091" data-mce-style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/melanomaawarenessmonth?source=feed_text&amp;story_id=1329774890373091" style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="_58cm"><br /></span></a></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><strong>THE TRUTH ABOUT TANNING:</strong></div><div data-mce-style="margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 6px; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;">1. There are nearly 22,000 tanning salons across the United States, serving about 28 million customers.<br />2. Out of the 28 million people who tan indoors, 2.3 million are teens.<br />3. 70% of people who go to tanning salons are white females between 16 to 29 years old.<span class="text_exposed_show"><br />4. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer panel stated that ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial sources from tanning beds are known to be cancer-causing.<br />5. Melanoma rates have increased in the last three decades.<br /><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>6. About 76,000 U.S. adults will be diagnosed with the cancer-type this year. About 9,200 are expected to die from the disease.</strong></span><br />7. The risk of melanoma is 75% higher for people who start tanning indoors before the age of 30.<br />8. Indoor tanning can lead to skin aging, immune suppression and eye damage.<br />9. Only one-third of people use sunscreen while tanning.<br />10. 58% of adolescent tanning bed users have burns due to constant exposure.<br />11. Only 36 states restrict indoor tanning by minors.<br />Source:&nbsp;<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=235108183172006" data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/AADskin/" data-mce-style="color: #365899;" href="https://www.facebook.com/AADskin/" style="color: #365899; text-decoration: none;">American Academy of Dermatology</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=13652355666" data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/usatoday/" data-mce-style="color: #365899;" href="https://www.facebook.com/usatoday/" style="color: #365899; text-decoration: none;">USA TODAY</a></span></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>SAY NO TO TANNING AND SIGN MELANOMA KNOW MORE'S NO TANNING PROMISE BY VISITING:</strong></span>&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="http://melanomaknowmore.com/notanning" data-mce-style="color: #365899;" href="http://melanomaknowmore.com/notanning" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://melanomaknowmore.com/notanning</a>.</div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>Melanoma fact:</strong>&nbsp;</span>Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.</span></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span class="_58cm"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">DID YOU KNOW? Over 3 million people across North America are diagnosed with skin cancer every year, and&nbsp;<span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>it is anticipated that melanoma will kill more than 10,000 people in 2016</strong></span>. Checking your skin on a regular basis for moles and spots that are new or changing is critical. Visit&nbsp;</span><a data-mce-href="https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect" data-mce-style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" href="https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://www.aad.org/…/spot-s…/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect</a><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">&nbsp;to learn how you can spot skin cancer!</span></span></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">---------------------------------------------------</span></div><div style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;"><strong>DID YOU KNOW?</strong></span>&nbsp;Thirty percent of all melanoma in men arises on the back—it is important to ask your doctor to examine your skin carefully for atypical moles.</span></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88dYU3SkXL4/Vzsh9yUB0wI/AAAAAAAAio0/QZumtMf7tnkwXnl8AgzOCX6giXDVoFQ9ACLcB/s1600/images%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88dYU3SkXL4/Vzsh9yUB0wI/AAAAAAAAio0/QZumtMf7tnkwXnl8AgzOCX6giXDVoFQ9ACLcB/s1600/images%2B%25285%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><br /></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span></div><div data-mce-style="margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;" style="color: #606060; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 6px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; widows: 1;"><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d; font-size: 14pt; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" style="color: #eb7a3d; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14pt;"><strong>To learn more about Melanoma and the prevention of this cancer, visit</strong>&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="http://melanomaknowmore.com/prevention/" href="http://melanomaknowmore.com/prevention/" style="color: #2989c5; text-decoration: none;"><span data-mce-style="color: #eb7a3d;" style="color: #eb7a3d;">http://melanomaknowmore.com/prevention/</span></a>.</span></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/xfBfl5McvCg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2016/05/may-is-melanoma-awareness-month.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-4149939478056272092016-04-18T11:39:00.002-04:002016-04-18T11:39:35.310-04:00A Simple Kind of ManWhen I was young, I came across the sheet music to this song. I don't think I had ever heard it, but somehow I was able to sit down and play it perfectly on our piano. When I was older, I heard it performed and learned it was a song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. I would like to think that had my mom and I had a deeper relationship, one where I was able to be true to myself and true to the world around, she might have parted these words of wisdom onto me. Thanks, Shinedown, for the cover of the song: A Simple Kind of Man.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rgFQ6WmxdMs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rgFQ6WmxdMs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/w3gYBEi_u7M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2016/04/a-simple-kind-of-man.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-45752131425683944822015-12-31T17:00:00.000-05:002015-12-31T20:21:14.655-05:00Goodbye 2015...I'm ready to move on<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6_4XgnQyHw/VoXSg9mLuPI/AAAAAAAAglw/S2ylSwB9YRk/s1600/latest-happy-new-year-2016-photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6_4XgnQyHw/VoXSg9mLuPI/AAAAAAAAglw/S2ylSwB9YRk/s320/latest-happy-new-year-2016-photos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today is New Year's Eve. The family is set to welcome in a brand new year. I am more than ready for a new year. This past year was a very long year. If I sit long enough I am sure I can find some positives of this year. However, everything is currently overshadowed by mom's passing in August of this year. Therefore, I'm ready to move on and start a new year. I will never forget you, Mom. I miss you more than I can even voice some days. But I am ready to appreciate a year where you aren't in pain any more. I am hoping for a kinder and more gentle year. I think we deserve it. I think we need it. I know I need it. Welcome, 2016.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/26kyXPFe-A8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2015/12/goodbye-2015im-ready-to-move-on.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-46009480991006807532015-10-04T05:00:00.000-04:002015-10-04T05:00:06.030-04:00Time for a Cool Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sveAf7OjBMA/Vg8LUgqc-2I/AAAAAAAAT_Y/EJQoqsjmlU8/s1600/Peaceful-Waters-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sveAf7OjBMA/Vg8LUgqc-2I/AAAAAAAAT_Y/EJQoqsjmlU8/s320/Peaceful-Waters-6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was in my 20s, I was in a band. We were a garage band. We never made a nickel but we sure had fun with our music. We did mostly covers. One day I got notice our lead guitarist was in the hospital. She had attempted to end her life but fortunately someone had gotten to her in time. While she was in the hospital and once she was back with us, we took on one of her favorite songs as one of our lead songs. We always made sure to include this one. It quickly became one of my favorite songs. You know the kind...it reaches out and pulls you into its arms...snug and secure. To this day, whether I am singing the song or I merely hear the song, the words bring back those feelings of remembering to just take a step back and go back to what you know to be true. I am at a point like that in my life. I need to step back and remember what it was that was true to me. I need to make some changes. It's time for a Cool Change.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9bKwRW0l-Qk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9bKwRW0l-Qk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/r5-0g6AZTTE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2015/10/time-for-cool-change.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-41191968632458935342015-01-02T05:00:00.000-05:002015-01-02T05:00:00.532-05:00One app for them all<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ht0XsbDvwU/VKRXtTE0ysI/AAAAAAAATQA/iU6zViMe6uA/s1600/evernote-logo-elephant-540x334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ht0XsbDvwU/VKRXtTE0ysI/AAAAAAAATQA/iU6zViMe6uA/s1600/evernote-logo-elephant-540x334.jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a></div><b>Evernote</b><br />Have you ever heard of <a href="http://www.evernote.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evernote</a>? I'm going to assume you probably have. I'm also going to assume you have a passing understanding that it is some kind of repository for bookmarks and web clippings. That's a good start. There is a great deal more, but I don't want this post to be overwhelming. I just want to let you know about my attempts in 2015 to master my understanding of Evernote and then find a way to incorporate it into my work life, my personal life, and my business life.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><h2><span style="color: orange;">Choosing</span></h2>I am very excited about focusing on Evernote this year. I really love this program, although I have had some issues with the web version and the windows version. Ironically, my Android version rocks and my iPad version works the majority of the time. I haven't had a chance to test it on my Nexus 10, yet. I will be working on those bumps through the year. I will not let them overwhelm my love for what I can do with the program!<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">Training</span></h2>I am a firm believer in not reinventing the wheel. Therefore, I am utilizing the pioneers who have come before such as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/dottotech" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DottoTech</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/EvernoteScott" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evernote Scott</a>, to name a few. As with most things, I take in the information, use what will help, and store the rest (in Evernote, of course!) I truly thank these trailblazers for putting use into "layman's" terms.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">Experimenting</span></h2>The name of the game is to experiment and test. What might appear to work, may end up not working at all, while some things, with a little tweak, will be a total answer to my frustrations. I am hoping to document my trial and errors for others (and as a documentation for myself). For example, I have thought about using it for blogging, but I haven't decided how I want that to work just yet. I have started using it for my lesson plans, but I am sure I can make it work even better for me.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">Sharing</span></h2>I converted three of my family members over on the simple fact they were able to make audio notes at crucial medical appointments. If that one reason is the one that keeps them in the Evernote camp, so be it! It's a great quality of this program. If they ever needed the other perks, they should still be available and waiting. Of course, I will always be available to help them whenever possible.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">Inviting</span></h2>If you have never used Evernote, I highly recommend you doing a bit of researching. Check out Evernote's&nbsp;<a href="https://evernote.com/getting_started/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">beginner's guide</a>. Be sure to check back in here on occasion to see how my progress is going. My goal for 2015 is to find out a way to limit my technology needs down to Evernote and Google. I don't know if it is possible, but I think I will enjoy trying!<br /><div><br /></div><div>--------------------------</div><div><i>What is the one perk you have discovered about Evernote?</i></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/UzPuGyH3sJs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2015/01/one-app-for-them-all.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-35440810208657085232014-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:002014-12-31T14:38:38.973-05:00Thank you, 2014. Welcome, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6n2QnCZTZo/VKRCrUJcc9I/AAAAAAAATPw/NslIAZ-yhkA/s1600/happy-new-year-2015-quotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L6n2QnCZTZo/VKRCrUJcc9I/AAAAAAAATPw/NslIAZ-yhkA/s1600/happy-new-year-2015-quotes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b><br />Well, it is that time of year. For my teenager, it means Winter Break is winding down. For my preschooler, it means she is going to fight the odds and stay awake long enough to celebrate, although she has no idea what it means to celebrate New Year's Eve. For my oldest, it means yet another day of work, because her pet boarding facility has 24-hour services 365 days a year.<br /><br />As for me, well, this year the New Year brings about new and different thoughts and feelings.<br />(Please bear with me on the long, rambling post.)<br /><a name='more'></a><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">2014</span></h2>The end of 2103 and all of 2104 was an emotionally draining year for me. Ironically, the one place that usually zaps my energy at year end (my place of employment), was the least of my concerns. I have a new manager who is amazing. Our company had the best year since being sold by our parent company, actually showing "in the black." Our employees were able to have a Winter Holiday Party and it rocked. Since the holidays were on Thursdays (Christmas and New Year's), we got Thursday and Friday off for both weeks. The majority of my team was on vacation, so I was able to catch up on loose ends. For once, work was a calm, steady presence this year, especially around the holidays.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">Mom&nbsp;</span></h2>My stress came from the fight my mom began in December of 2103 against not one, but <b>two</b>&nbsp;types of cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer and stage 3 melanoma, which has moved into stage 4. She does everything she is supposed to do to try to destroy the killer in her body. She had the surgeries when needed for removal of lymph nodes. She battled and beat pneumonia the week of one of her fall surgeries That surgery led to her developing lymphodema. She is doing each round of chemo, both the intense and the long-term. She was hospitalized this month for a week long battle with what ended up being an adrenal insufficiency. Her team of specialists have become like a second family to her. Her therapists see her more than any of us do. Her strength comes from her faith and her family, and I heard that from her own lips during her last hospital stay. Each day she starts with being thankful to have yet another day of life.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">Resolutions</span></h2>So as 2014 is coming to a close, I am choosing to look at it a little differently. I don't usually make resolutions simply because I try to set 28 Day Challenges for myself which lead to larger life changes. My mom's battles have led me to re-evaluate my physical, mental, and spiritual health. I remember her oncologist telling her once if it weren't for her cancers, she would be the epitome of health. He also mentioned that she has some amazing and powerful reasons for living. I decided I wanted to start 2015 developing some of those same traits. I want to be a great example of mental, physical, and spiritual strength for my family and friends. I want to develop amazing and powerful reasons for living, and be able to appreciate them in the moment.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">What?</span></h2>For those who know me personally, I might as well have stated I am going to sprout wings and fly. Currently my physical, mental, and spiritual health are the worst they have ever been in my 45+ years of living. I am overweight and a non-medicine dependent diabetic. I suffer from low self-esteem and depression. I have no peg on which to hang a spiritual hat. My gender fluidity is unrecognized in this day and age. Often I work to avoid living and in turn live only to work. I am a constant frustration to family and friends who have stated I am a shell of the person I once was.<br /><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">2015&nbsp;</span></h2>I want to change that, even by the tiniest bit. I want to welcome 2015 as a year of challenge and change. I have a Grand Reopening for my sideline business on 03.14.15 and I am thrilled (and scared) for that event. I am starting my 10th year at my "day job," and that is a pretty impressive milestone. I have joined and am leading a few community groups at work, as well. My youngest starts kindergarten this fall, and that thrills and terrifies me simultaneously, but I can't wait to get involved in the school community. This year has all the makings of an amazing year...as long as I allow it. Therefore, I have decided that my actions this year need to lead to a stronger me. I am going to continue to hone my strengths and strip away my weaknesses. I know it won't be easy. Heck, I don't even think I will like it most of the time. But I do know it will be worth it. I will continue to remind myself that I am worth it. I am looking forward to compiling an enormous list of all the accomplishments for this upcoming year. Care to join me?<br /><br />--------------------------<br /><i>What is one amazing thing you would like to make happen in 2015?</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/bCqbJQ9YFLg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/12/happy-new-year-well-it-is-that-time-of.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-75742214792066737812014-11-26T17:00:00.000-05:002014-11-26T17:00:01.388-05:00365 Days of Journaling [UPDATE]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGa4JxUdaSg/VHYua_lZd_I/AAAAAAAATNw/1F3O3BZwVYc/s1600/0777.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HGa4JxUdaSg/VHYua_lZd_I/AAAAAAAATNw/1F3O3BZwVYc/s1600/0777.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>WOW! It's almost December! I find that truly hard to fathom, and yet there is pumpkin bread smells coming from our kitchen, we are making plans to get together with half the family for this November holiday, and I am making bets on how long it will take me to write the year as "2015!"<br /><br />Yep.....the New Year is right around the corner. In the meantime, let me update you on some of the discoveries I have had with my journaling.<br /><br />[NOTE: In 2015, updates like this can be found on my Personal Challenge Blog<span style="color: orange;"> <a href="http://acleansingrayne.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A&nbsp;Cleansing Rayne</a>.</span>]<br /><a name='more'></a><h3><br /></h3><h2><span style="color: orange;">Daily Journaling is HARD!</span></h2>Yes, I know. I have said this before. Yes, I know. Saying it more than once doesn't make it more true or easier. Yes, I know. Most things worth their salt require a little bit of work. What I did have discovered is that if I want it to be a priority, I need to make the time. In between 2 jobs, 3 kids, blogs, and classes, I need to <b>make the time for journaling.</b>&nbsp;But it won't be easy. Some days it will feel absolutely impossible. Other days I will struggle to remember what I wrote about. Either way, if it is important to me, I need to build it into my daily routine...be it easy or hard!<br /><h3><br /></h3><h2><span style="color: orange;">Babbling Allowed</span></h2>Looking back at my writing, I realize when I am stumped or uncertain, I have a tendency to babble. I ramble on about things that are not in any way, shape, or form, relative to life as I know it. Sometimes, like bad handwriting, I'm not even sure what I was saying/rambling about. But long about June (yes, it took half a year to convince myself), I realized that babbling is OK. It's a way to let my thoughts go where they need to. I liken it to dreaming. We keep too many thoughts stored upstairs and senseless babbling on paper is harmless. It merely allows my brain to unload some of the useless information it is storing. And honestly....later in the year, it at least gives me something to chuckle at!<br /><h3><br /></h3><h2><span style="color: orange;">Platforms DON'T Matter</span></h2>Good grief I am fickle, especially when it comes to a good platform on which to write. I love a nice leather journal with lines that are just the right thickness and width. I absolutely adore the badges and challenges on 750words.com. Having my daily journal entries available at the click of Evernote is awesome for those days I plan my TO DO lists. Opening a plain text doc and writing on a plain white screen without formatting and other distractions is so refreshing and simplistic. Yeah...I want my cake and to eat it, too. &nbsp;My words to the wise: Go with what works, even if it means you have your writing in multiple locations. Just.....write!<br /><h3><br /></h3><h2><span style="color: orange;">Here to Stay</span></h2><div>Not everything I like in life becomes part of my daily routine. Honestly, I have a tendency to make "bad habits" more a part of my life than I do "good habits." However, I have seen benefits to daily journaling. I have found accomplishment through finally meeting a 30 day challenge. I have been able to smile at my ramblings and thoughts. I have discovered clarity when I write first thing in the morning. I have felt my monkey mind quiet when I write last thing before going to bed. So, I think I'm going to continue this activity into 2015 and beyond. I'm good with this being a part of my daily routine!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: orange;">Thank you</span></b>&nbsp;for going with me on this journey. Since I am in the process of building up my Personal Challenge Blog, this post will be my last one for <b>365 Days of Journaling.</b>&nbsp;I'm going to spend the month of December preparing for the New Year. Happy Holidaze to you and yours!</div><br /><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/nbIcSYz_IKI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/11/365-days-of-journaling-update.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-66594381214067390432014-11-01T05:00:00.000-04:002014-11-26T15:34:30.720-05:00365 Days of Journaling [UPDATE]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ke-RHrou6Fs/VHY5FBupbRI/AAAAAAAATOA/8d42Y8cw1t0/s1600/samhain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ke-RHrou6Fs/VHY5FBupbRI/AAAAAAAATOA/8d42Y8cw1t0/s1600/samhain.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>Although we did "Trick-o-Treat" last evening, today our family celebrates Halloween/Samhain. We get to top off the holiday with the last football game of the season. It is also Senior Night, which means new halftime show! I thought this would be a good time to reflect back on more than just my ancestors as we head into this fall season.<br /><br />If there is one thing I have learned about myself and 365 days of journaling, it is that short of breathing and occasionally eating, I really suck at doing anything on a regular basis for an extended period of time.<br /><a name='more'></a>Setting aside time to journal each day is not a hard task. It doesn't take more than 15 or 20 minutes. It doesn't require a great deal of forethought in order to start writing. I have come to decide I like paper journals and electronic journals. I can write in the morning. I can write in the evening. I can even write on my lunch break. What I can't seem to do is set aside the time each day to make it meaningful.<br /><br /><h3><b><span style="color: orange;">I prefer to only spend about 20% of my time just writing to write.</span></b>&nbsp;</h3><div>I would rather have a purpose to my writing, such as clearing out my thoughts, organizing the chaos of my mind, venting on paper instead of at people, or planning plot/characters/adventures for my books and topics/lessons for my curriculum.&nbsp;</div><br />However, to make it meaningful, I need to carve out that time in my day. I have not been so successful with that. I always plan to spend some time each morning, while my mind is "new and fresh" to journal about life. Then life actually occurs and I oversleep, or have to run &nbsp;before school errands, or I simply decide to spend more time eating or meditating and less time writing. Therefore, my writing is spotty and sometimes nonexistent. My good intentions are replaced with typical reality.<br /><br /><h3><b><span style="color: orange;">I have learned to accept this.</span></b>&nbsp;</h3>Like the random stray thought that crosses my mind while sitting in meditation, I acknowledge it, identify it for what it is, then allow it to move on. Long about March or April I stopped beating myself up for my lack of success at daily writing. Instead I started to enjoy the days that allowed me a moment in my life to just sit and write/reflect. I appreciated the ease of technology for a lunch break where I could unwind my mind. I felt "old skool" when I could pull out my Moleskine journal and write down some of the one million thoughts running rampant through my head. I celebrated completing my first month challenge on 750words.com. And from this acceptance, I grew. I began to recognize how my mind needed that release. I started to notice trends and patterns in my daily writings, such as mood swings, or emotional growth...or even how the weather effected my thoughts, and feelings, and writing.<br /><br />Although tomorrow will be the first day of November, and I have been through 10 months of (mostly) daily writing, I feel each day is new and different. I am glad for this continual growth and newness. On a scale of 1-5, I would have to give myself a "well done," and reason that I can't put a number or grade on growth. It merely is exactly what it is.<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/yvG07s7ShyQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/11/365-days-of-journaling-update_1.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-64678804429915038102014-07-21T05:00:00.000-04:002014-07-21T05:00:03.700-04:00What is your desire? [VIDEO]<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154278510175494" data-width="466"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154278510175494">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shivalika.k.1">Shivalika K</a>.</div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/3nMjkH9nzYs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/07/what-is-your-desire-video.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-12312892067312576472014-07-08T05:00:00.000-04:002014-07-08T05:00:09.093-04:00iDoneThis [REVIEW]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrvGEllSV08/U5dQPhYZtVI/AAAAAAAAPiM/RYXrbVDO0p0/s1600/idonethis.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GrvGEllSV08/U5dQPhYZtVI/AAAAAAAAPiM/RYXrbVDO0p0/s1600/idonethis.png" /></a></div>A few years ago I stumbled onto a website called iDoneThis. I spent a few years knowing I had subscribed, constantly ignoring the email reminders, and really, just not interested. Then, this year, I decided to attempt a 365 Day Challenge for journaling. It was during this challenge I rediscovered this website...almost completely by accident.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>I have previously written about my <a href="http://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/01/my-morning-routine.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Morning Routine</a>, which involves daily writing. The routine of sitting down in front of a blank screen, or with a blank piece of paper in a journal, is something I am appreciating more each day. Even if all I do is sporadically write about all of the 500 items I have to accomplish today, it is a great way to get my brain firing with all cylinders! Sometimes, I even find answers to unanswered questions.<br /><br />On the rare occasion I am unable to write as long as I would like in the morning (which can happen when I oversleep or fail to adequately prepare myself by skipping my evening routine), I have set my reminder email from <a href="http://idonethis.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iDoneThis</a>&nbsp;for early in the evening. Then, once I get kids settled in for the evening, and I'm going to set up my MITs for the next day, there is that reminder asking me what I have done. I can even record my accomplishments by simply replying to the email! How easy is that? I also love that within the email, they let you know what you wrote about the last time "they heard from you." Some of these can be great to read because they remind me of past events that may still be important in the present.<br /><br />If you haven't tried iDoneThis, you should check it out. It's free or $5/month for the premium version. Personally, since it's only for my own record of events and summaries, I have not needed anything more than the free version. That could change, though, since I can envision how this could be a great tool in keeping my team communicating daily. Maybe next year I will be able to tell you more about how it works as a team tool!<br /><br />-------------------------<br /><i>What are some items you would include in your daily summary?</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/rsokLyANsH4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/07/idonethis-review.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-49433720645866558502014-07-01T05:00:00.000-04:002014-07-01T05:00:00.424-04:00Moving My Challenge Blogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMIdor0azLk/U7G6vHscdbI/AAAAAAAAPvU/LcrpWqyPMuQ/s1600/moving-738850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMIdor0azLk/U7G6vHscdbI/AAAAAAAAPvU/LcrpWqyPMuQ/s1600/moving-738850.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>My posts about my challenges are going to be on their own blog!<br /><a name='more'></a>If you are following any of my challenges, you will want to know that I have moved them to a new location, from this day forward. (TECHNICALLY, there are some posts on there already!) It is easier for me to track things if they are in one location.<br /><br />So, if you have the inclination, come take a peek:&nbsp;<a href="http://acleansingrayne.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Cleansing Rayne</a><br />I'm hoping this will allow me to continue to redefine and fine-tune this blog and continue to bring more amazing bits and pieces of interest!<br /><br />---------------------<br /><i>What is the easiest way for you to get "moving" notifications out to your friends?</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/y9sO226p7Vs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/07/moving-my-challenge-blogs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-8012390364178741542014-06-06T05:00:00.000-04:002014-06-30T15:37:12.379-04:00A New Use for Evernote!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPPjkSjNZwg/U5HWxFfxyQI/AAAAAAAAPdE/n4rJMWBi_2s/s1600/Evernote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sPPjkSjNZwg/U5HWxFfxyQI/AAAAAAAAPdE/n4rJMWBi_2s/s1600/Evernote.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>If you have spent any time with me in the last five years, you know I have become a fan of&nbsp;<a href="http://www.evernote.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evernote</a>. Evernote is one of only two digital items I use to manage and run my business.<br /><br />Since I have been trying to "digitize" my personal life, I started scanning and taking pictures of everything from work expense receipts to the 100-a-day pictures my preschooler draws for me. (I take a picture of each one, put the date in the subject line, and file it under her "Scrapbook" folder.) My latest A-HA moment came to me this morning as I was saving them business card pics to my Business Card folder.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Although I am more likely to pull out my phone and open my <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.calendar" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GCal </a>app when I set an appointment with someone, there are some appointments that occur only once a year. Often, in that scenario, I get a business card size appointment reminder which I often put in my wallet and then when I get home, I add the appointment to my Google Calendar (GCal). (If you haven't tried GCal, check it out <a href="https://support.google.com/calendar/?hl=en#topic=3417969" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.) I noticed this week, though, that I had one still saved in my wallet bc this doctor would be in their new building by the time of my next appointment and I wanted to check out the location long before my appointment.<br /><br />This morning I decided to experiment with this appointment card reminder. I took a picture of it with my <a href="http://evernote.com/evernote/guide/android/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Evernote Android app</a> like I do with all of my business cards. I then created a notebook in my HOME stack titled "Medical Appointments." I tagged it with the doctor's name, placed it in that notebook, and set a <a href="http://blog.evernote.com/blog/2013/08/06/how-to-never-miss-a-deadline-with-evernote/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reminder </a>for 24 hours before the appointment.<br /><br />Now, I know that all of this could be done in GCal. (I use <a href="http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/01/how-to-create-reminders-for-events-in.html#.U5Ha6vldWtY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">reminders </a>extensively, I use location frequently, and I live out of my calendar for work and personal.) However, I have some friends who are just now moving into a more digital realm, and after spending an afternoon talking to them about Evernote, I realized this might be a great resource option for them. For me personally, it fits my life practice of writing down things so I don't have to rely on my memory!<br /><br />There are millions of ways Evernote can help make life easier, including taking pictures of your medical appointment reminder cards. I suggest giving it a try. Start small and you will soon discover what works best for you!<br /><br />*Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with Evernote. The educator in me just likes sharing and gleaning knowledge.<br /><br />#EvernoteUses<br />--------------------------<br /><i>What is your favorite way of keeping tack of once-a-year appointments?</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/UFZzGxTZZOg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/06/a-new-use-for-evernote.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-47398724814085458542014-06-01T05:00:00.000-04:002014-11-26T15:25:50.305-05:00365 Days of Journaling [UPDATE]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2s37m14fNOQ/U5cVCeZf1kI/AAAAAAAAPh8/gs5NCTa50FQ/s1600/champagne.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2s37m14fNOQ/U5cVCeZf1kI/AAAAAAAAPh8/gs5NCTa50FQ/s1600/champagne.gif" height="141" width="200" /></a></div>I DID IT!! I completed a Monthly Challenge on 750words.com! FINALLY!<br /><br />I am ecstatic to report the fact that on 31 May 2014, I successfully completed a monthly challenge on <a href="http://750words.com/">750words.com</a>. I have made MANY attempts at this over the years. Some months I bail early on, perhaps within the first week. A time or two I got almost to the half-way mark and then ruined my streak. In May, as I neared day #15, I KNEW I had to make it through the month. I had come too far to wipe out. So, I stuck it out and finally completed the challenge. SIDE BONUS: I earned three badges along the way! This monthly challenge accomplishment TOTALLY helped me continue with my 365 Day Challenge.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><h3><u><b>UPDATE FOR THE 365 DAY CHALLENGE</b></u></h3>So, as for the 365 Day Challenge, things are still going on pretty smoothly. I'm pretty comfortable with writing in the mornings, even on days I wake up late, or have things to do, especially if I didn't complete my evening routine the previous evening. (You can see what my evening routine is by scrolling to the bottom of <a href="http://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/01/my-morning-routine.html#more" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this </a>post.) On those days, I do "cheat" by writing only a sentence or two in the morning and then follow up in the evening using <a href="https://idonethis.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iDONEthis </a>reminders in my email. (If you haven't checked iDONEthis out, you should. It's a pretty neat idea for both personal and work. <a href="http://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/07/idonethis-review.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here </a>are my thoughts on this great little app.)<br /><br /><br />I feel pretty accomplished! It's not the jarring boost that I get from my <a href="http://impossiblehq.com/cold-shower-therapy-guide" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cold Shower Therapy</a>, but it is still a pretty awesome feeling.<br /><br />#365DayChallenge<br />#JournalDaily<br /><br />-------------------------<br /><i>What is your most recent accomplishment?</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/bM6bZ-ug6vA" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/06/365-days-of-journaling-update.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-27398110636931174292014-04-10T05:00:00.000-04:002014-06-30T15:28:47.174-04:00365 Days of Journaling [UPDATE]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xi7E1eeM0M/U0QvSGAcAmI/AAAAAAAAMp0/CWUFmHFBAMQ/s1600/book_open.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xi7E1eeM0M/U0QvSGAcAmI/AAAAAAAAMp0/CWUFmHFBAMQ/s1600/book_open.png" height="190" width="200" /></a></div>Well, as of this morning I have been mostly successfully journaling for 100 days. It has been a roller coaster ride for those 100 days. I do not know if I have found my groove yet, but I decided I should at least update my progress and share with you the two biggest lessons I have learned.<br /><a name='more'></a><h2><span style="color: orange;">Online Journals Have Advantages</span></h2>One of the first items I had to decide was <i>where</i>&nbsp;it was I wanted to journal. I tried writing in a paper journal. I even found one with the perfect line spacing and a black cover. However, putting words on paper, while something I love, made me feel like a kid again, wondering if anyone was going to read My Diary and know my deepest darkest secrets! Perhaps if I were just jotting highlights of the day to later share with my children, a paper journal would work well. Something like this <a href="http://www.levenger.com/Journals---Folios-579/Journals-301/5-Year-Journal-Core-7150.aspx" target="_blank">journal</a>.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I tried a small <a href="http://www.ataglance.com/ataglancestore/mwv/product/Weekly-Pocket-Planner/TL2125?pageSize=6&amp;rootCatId=Planners_11&amp;goToPage=1&amp;catId=Small_6&amp;prodId=TL2125" target="_blank">weekly calendar</a> I got for free. It had about 5 lines each day, which sometimes forced me to use abbreviations or write only a word or two instead of complete sentences. Again, it was great for highlighting key points, but I didn't have the space to write out about my thoughts.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I began a calendar in my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Google_Calendar_screenshot.png" target="_blank">Gcal </a>just for jounaling. I called the calendar "Journal" and it was a calendar that was hidden from view. This was a little better because it allowed me to write as little or as much as I wanted. However, something just did not feel right, knowing I was writing unlimited thoughts in something as limited as a calendar.<br /><br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;After trying multiple platforms, in March I returned to using&nbsp;<a href="http://www.750words.com/" target="_blank">750words</a>. It's a blank page, I can write as little or as much as I want, and maybe it's the kid in me, but I love the <a href="http://750words.com/badges" target="_blank">badges</a>! Previously, I became a <a href="http://750words.com/patrons" target="_blank">Patron</a>. I'm still striving for the badge proudly proclaiming me successful at a one-month challenge. I firmly believe that if it were not for weekends, I would already have that badge! However, I will keep journaling and trying! One day I <b>will be successful!</b><br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">The Beginning of the Day Is Ideal for Writing in My Journal</span></h2><div>Whether it was at the coffee shop on telecommute days or in the office before opening my email, I have found that writing in my journal first thing in the morning was the ideal time for me.&nbsp;</div><div><ul><li>First, it prevented me from "forgetting" to write. Did I mention I haven't yet successfully finished a one-month challenge?</li><li>Second, it gave my brain a bit of a wake-up scenario that didn't involve my job! I hate days when my first writing is a long email explaining why a project is going south!</li><li>Third, I had a great reason to brew some coffee. After all, writing and coffee, in my book, go hand-in-hand. (If you are into coffee, here is a cool blog about <a href="http://melanietrausch.hubpages.com/hub/The-Poetry-of-Coffee" target="_blank">The Poetry of Coffee</a>.)</li></ul>Since I started using 750words again, I have also been able to record things like SLEEP (the number of hours I sleep), ENERGY (my energy levels when I wake), and <a href="http://zenhabits.net/purpose-your-day-most-important-task/" target="_blank">MIT </a>(my Most Important Task for the day.) I suppose one can do that in any journaling format, honestly. Oh, and I also love the feeling I have gotten on the days I actually wrote a true 750 words without having to copy/paste or randomly type to meet the word goal! YAY for me!</div><span style="color: orange;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: orange;"><b>I'm glad I haven't given up completely.</b>&nbsp;</span>It is a nice feeling to accomplish a challenge, even if it was not in the exact manner you imagined. I'm going to borrow a quoted quote from <a href="http://www.myrkothum.com/10-inspirational-quotes-by-the-buddha-teachings/" target="_blank">myrkothum.com</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."</blockquote>Here's to another 100 days of fine-tuning one of my personal challenges/goals in my life!<br /><br />#100DayChallenge<br />#JournalDaily<br />--------------------------------------------<br /><i>What is something you have been able to do consistently for 100 days?&nbsp;</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/YmnCkkpR-tU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/04/365-days-of-journaling-update.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-70165704407629168612014-04-02T05:00:00.000-04:002014-04-02T05:56:09.111-04:00How to Stop a Nightmare [Video]<div id="fb-root"></div><script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script><br /><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202020643491305" data-width="466"><div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10202020643491305">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/naylor.bill">Bill Naylor</a>.</div></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/CkZUUP3h9MU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/04/how-to-stop-nightmare-video.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-15324178124736288292014-04-01T05:00:00.000-04:002014-04-01T05:00:11.657-04:00Spring Cleaning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nREDpnx6crU/UzlAYaGcZgI/AAAAAAAAMmQ/iFnvmoslh8M/s1600/broom.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nREDpnx6crU/UzlAYaGcZgI/AAAAAAAAMmQ/iFnvmoslh8M/s1600/broom.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>My approach to spring cleaning isn't typical, but it works for me. I plan to do finish by April 15 and it involves electronics/life online. I am almost finished with it (amazingly) but I thought I would share.<br /><a name='more'></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">Spring Cleaning RB style</span></b><br /><br /><ul><li>Delete all of my email filters in all accounts</li><li>Unsubscribe when possible as feeds begin popping up in my inbox</li><li>Create specific labels/<b>new</b>&nbsp;filters for incoming email</li><li>Clear FOLLOW UP folder in email by doing/archiving/scheduling items</li><li>Move all INBOX (my default folder) items in Evernote to their appropriate folders</li><li>Pair down any negative "friends" on Facebook</li><li>Review my resume and update</li><li>Review my LinkedIn account and update</li><li>Review my personal branding plan (schedule for Summer intense focus)</li><li>Google myself and rectify any negative hits</li><li>Run a deep virus scan (renew virus protection, if needed)</li><li>Clean up apps on iPad</li><li>Review bookmarks and delete unnecessary/unused ones (file with Evernote)</li><li>Move misc files in GDrive to appropriate folders/reassess storage space (I upgraded this year bc&nbsp;<a href="http://googledrive.blogspot.com/2014/03/save-more-with-google-drive.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GDrive storage got cheap!</a>)</li><li>Check storage space on phone SD card (purchase new or move things to cloud or both)</li><li>Delete unused music in iTunes and phone</li><li>Add to current list</li></ul><div>So, there it is...all the things I am doing for Spring Cleaning. Sometimes it's best to set aside a few hours to just hammer away at things. I had to do that with a few things. It was worth it, though!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Spring (cleaning) to you and yours!</div><div>----------</div><div><i>What is one action you do for your electronic "Spring Cleaning?"</i></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/M0nXMjE_IWU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/04/spring-cleaning.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-85696050602966988522014-01-06T05:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T05:00:05.014-05:00Welcome to the Jungle [VIDEO]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/23n5icFvqf8?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/wkMfhws6aJ8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/01/welcome-to-jungle-video.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-89612735890424101802014-01-05T05:00:00.000-05:002014-06-10T09:49:18.952-04:00My Morning Routine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjCg0Cj0at4/U0Q-hBFHR7I/AAAAAAAAMq0/iazVJ4Ne50Q/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjCg0Cj0at4/U0Q-hBFHR7I/AAAAAAAAMq0/iazVJ4Ne50Q/s1600/images.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>It has only been within the last few years I have learned to appreciate a <b>Morning Routine</b>. I think humans from birth to death can benefit by some routine in their lives, especially in the morning. I'm working on keeping a routine on the weekends, but it was easier to start forming this routine on week days. Here is my current Morning Routine (subject to adjustments as needed.)<br /><a name='more'></a>NOTE: This routine is mostly a week day routine. I move it back an hour or so on the weekends, depending on my work schedule on the weekend.<br /><h2><span style="color: orange;">January-March</span></h2><ul><li>5:45a Wake/Shower/Glass of water</li><li>6:15a Coffee/Journal</li><li>6:45a Get ready to leave for work</li></ul><h2><span style="color: orange;">April-May</span></h2><div><ul><li>5:30a Wake/Shower/Glass of water</li><li>6:00a Meditate (5 mins)</li><li>6:15a Coffee/Journal</li><li>6:45a Get ready to leave for work</li></ul><h2><span style="color: orange;">June-August</span></h2></div><div><ul><li>5:30a Wake/Shower/Glass of water</li><li>5:50a Meditate (10 mins)</li><li>6:05a Coffee/Journal</li><li>6:35a Get ready to leave for work</li></ul><h2><span style="color: orange;">September-December</span></h2></div><div><ul><li>5:15a Wake/Shower/Glass of water</li><li>5:45a Meditate (15 mins)</li><li>6:15a Coffee/Journal</li><li>6:45a Get ready to leave for work</li></ul><h3></h3>In order to have the most successful morning, <span style="font-weight: normal;">I do a few things the evening before, in preparation for the morning:</span></div><div><ul><li>Pack my lunch and prepare/plan my breakfast, which I usually take with me to work</li><li>Prepare my coffee pot to begin brewing at 6a the next morning</li><li>Have online journal open in browser before putting laptop to sleep</li><li>Set out my portable altar/meditation items</li></ul><div>I have thought about moving to an earlier work schedule during the summers, but I am beginning to really enjoy the time to myself in the mornings.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Eventually I am going to add T'ai Chi to my morning routine. I may begin with adding it to my evening routine this Spring and then to my morning routine in the fall.</div><div>----------------------------------------</div><div><i>What is one routine you enjoy having?</i></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/AQ_sYfmEt_A" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/01/my-morning-routine.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-70645111901859633402014-01-01T05:00:00.000-05:002014-01-01T05:00:05.311-05:00Here's to a New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGBi0ka1vDk/UsGfL6IvX9I/AAAAAAAALZE/s714C79DX7s/s1600/2014-New-Year-HD-Wallpaper1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kGBi0ka1vDk/UsGfL6IvX9I/AAAAAAAALZE/s714C79DX7s/s1600/2014-New-Year-HD-Wallpaper1.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>Have a safe and wonderful New Year! Remember all those dreams you had? THIS is the year to make them happen...<img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/AyyGkDmyRZM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2014/01/heres-to-new-year.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-771332046826324382013-12-31T05:00:00.000-05:002014-01-05T16:25:18.719-05:00365 Days of Journaling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG0UiwZWv7M/URW3XS6QRHI/AAAAAAAAA3A/zZ2WRLRu6jU/s1600/journal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jG0UiwZWv7M/URW3XS6QRHI/AAAAAAAAA3A/zZ2WRLRu6jU/s200/journal.jpg" height="151" width="200" /></a></div>We are almost through the last month of 2013. Many people are making resolutions, some have "refitted" current year resolutions, and a few people have decided not to even make resolutions. I always make yearly goals such as eating clean, becoming physically active, and working on my blogging. This past year, however, I rediscovered another yearly goal I want to incorporate into my routine...daily journaling! Personally, I think there are three great things about keeping a daily journal. Let me share...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>Whether using a leather bound journal, a spiral notebook with kittens on the front, a <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/us/collections/model/product/cover-art-by-moleskine-community-journal-start-ruled" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Moleskine journal</a>, or even an <a href="http://penzu.com/r/50054151" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online journal</a>, the beauty and therapeutic aspects of writing in a journal are amazing.<br /><h2>In a journal, everything and everyone is how you want it to be</h2><div>My day is pretty predictable. I get up, I shower, I eat breakfast, I drink my coffee, I go to work, I come home, I make dinner, I help with homework, I read, I have an evening routine, then I sleep. At 5:30 am the next day I start it all over again. I'm an educator, an editor, a parent, and a partner. Each of those aspects of my life have certain requirements. They often have scenarios that aren't to my choosing nor are they ones I prefer. Sometimes they might even involve people I don't want to spend time with. When it comes to my journal, however, I have no protocols or restrictions. Nothing I write is taboo or "not allowed." My opinions rule. I get all my grievances out on paper as well as all of my ideas and thoughts. I also can ramble on without appearing to have a loose screw. On paper (or on the screen) it is exactly how I want it to be.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><h2>In a journal, you can think out loud</h2><div>For anyone who is a breathing human, we have millions of thoughts going through our head at any point in time. Some people are able to ignore many of their thoughts. Some people can organize their thoughts and keep a tight reign on them. Some people use meditation to help calm their "monkey mind." Some people, like me, just need to get my thoughts out of my head and down on paper. One of the reasons I still use a paper calendar is so I can write down everything in my schedule. My journal is where I can "think" through my thoughts. As thoughts enter my head, I write them down in my journal. I do a mental dump, if you will. (Check out <a href="http://750words.com/">750words.com</a> for an online "morning papers" journal.) Sometimes this way of writing helps me to find clarity. Sometimes it helps me discover a solution to a pickling problem. Sometimes I merely ramble with no rhyme or reason. Whatever the outcome, having these thoughts down on paper gives me peace of mind. It allows me to process my busy busy thoughts and think out loud.</div><div><br /></div><h2>In a journal, you can leave a trail of your life</h2><div>As each day passes, as the kids grow up, as I grow older, I have a tendency to reflect on my life. I reflect <b>a lot.</b>&nbsp;Sometimes I find a card tucked away on a shelf and I am immediately transported back to the time of the event. My mom saved some of my middle school journals for school and I can get lost in them for hours. In a journal, especially an online journal, you have a worded timeline. In some online programs, journal entries are even searchable. Whether using Penzu, 750words.com, Evernote, or paper journals, you can take a stroll down memory lane any time you desire. You can see how you have changed, how you have grown, what things were obstacles in the past, and what some of your plans were for the future. There have been occasions were my journal was a simple <a href="http://tinybuddha.com/blog/turn-pain-to-joy-11-tips-for-a-powerful-gratitude-journal/" target="_blank">gratitude journal</a>. Someday, perhaps, you might even share parts of your journal with offspring. When my grandmother passed on, I recall the joy my family had reading through her simple sentence-a-day-journal she kept when my grandpa was drafted for WWII. Being able to see where you have come from helps you plan where it is you want to go.</div><div><br /></div><h3>365 Days of Journaling</h3><div>For 2014, I am going to commit myself to 365 Days of Journaling. A journal entry, for me, is not going to have boundaries or limitations. It just needs to be an entry, made either in the morning or the evening (or both, if I'm feeling vocal) about the plans for the day [morning entry] or a rehash of the day that has passed [evening entry]. I am going to try to log it digitally, but if I don't have access to a computer, I will make the entry in my calendar. I am very excited about this Challenge. This is my first attempt at an action to be completed for the entire year. I have been writing every day for about two months as a "warm-up." I think I am very ready. After all, writing is something I have done most of my natural life!</div><div>----------------------------</div><div><i>Have you ever tried a 365-Day challenge? If so, what was it and how did it go?</i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/l6CZpVfv20k" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2013/12/365-days-of-journaling.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-30474100367115634592013-12-13T11:28:00.001-05:002013-12-13T11:28:07.654-05:00What Does the Spleen Do? Harvard Medical School [VIDEO]<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aEi_4Cyx4Uw" width="480"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/3dMhOZpptys" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2013/12/what-does-spleen-do-harvard-medical.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-84133159078984529432013-12-03T05:00:00.000-05:002013-12-03T05:00:06.041-05:00December 2013 28-Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6PIUOHXQ8Q/Up0yOgiIiFI/AAAAAAAAKts/dXBSAGtFOYo/s1600/routine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s6PIUOHXQ8Q/Up0yOgiIiFI/AAAAAAAAKts/dXBSAGtFOYo/s1600/routine.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>Routines. Some people love them, some people hate them. I have yet to meet anyone who has no opinion about them. I am a "love them" kind of person, even more so now that I have kids. Personally, I think routines make the world run smoother. My biggest complaint, however, is when the routine gets interrupted. I am not one to run so easily with a bump in the road. Therefore, I try to create routines that allow for these small interruptions. A good example is my <b>December Challenge:</b> Setting up my Evening Routine.<br /><a name='more'></a><h2><span style="font-size: x-large;">Activate your action</span></h2>One of the first things I learned about daily challenges is to have "trigger" points. For example, after brushing your teeth in the evening, floss. After making your morning coffee, sit down to journal. Before walking up the steps for bed, fill the dishwasher and run it. Each action has another action to "activate" it. I am going to use this same philosophy with my evening routine.<br /><h2><span style="font-size: x-large;">Relate your action to other actions</span></h2>I also want my evening routine to be a reverse of my morning routine. This way it will be like closing the circle each and every day. To recall my evening routine, I go through my morning routine in reverse. To recall my morning routine, I go through my evening routine in reverse.<br /><h2><span style="font-size: x-large;">My Back-Up Plan</span></h2>There are maybe three times in the year I don't actually go to bed. So, on average, each and every night I get ready for bed and eventually head to bed. Since I don't have a time-limit on this action, it can be done any time I am getting ready for bed. It can even be done away from home! This should be the easiest Challenge.<br /><h3><b><br /></b></h3><h3><b>December Challenge: Create an Evening Routine (Alpha)</b></h3>So, here is my plans for my December 2013 28-Day Challenge. This is the <i>alpha&nbsp;</i>stage because I am hoping to expand on this basic, skeletal evening routine. I have intentionally inserted Journal and Meditation in my evening routine because my goal for 2014 is to increase those activities both in the morning and in the evening. The trigger is <i>going to bed.</i><br /><br /><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Drink one 8 ounce glass of water</li><li style="text-align: left;">Journal (write down one thing I want to remember about today)</li><li style="text-align: left;">Meditate (take 10 breaths)</li><li style="text-align: left;">Brush teeth</li></ul><br />So, there you have it. My 28-Day Challenge for December. The purpose of this routine is so my body will recognize it is time to settle down and get ready for sleep.<br />----------------------------<br /><i>How has a routine helped you and/or your family?</i><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/w2rwM7Qme7Y" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2013/12/december-2013-28-day-challenge.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3187532775391995334.post-61340079582764287762013-11-19T12:50:00.001-05:002013-12-02T21:40:27.619-05:00Transgender Awareness Week 2013 "Not One More" [VIDEO]<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5lAsXmsDbFI" width="480"></iframe><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/RayneBlue/~4/cLflv0r13hM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Rayne Bluehttps://plus.google.com/110306692369551130098noreply@blogger.comhttp://www.rayneblueoh.com/2013/11/transgender-awareness-week-2013-not-one.html